Kenya’s win was set up by a half-century from Collins Obuya (58 off 47 balls; seven fours, two sixes) and a five-wicket haul by 18-year-old spinner Aarnav Patel (5-15).
Kenya won the toss and opted to bat first and posted 141-6 from their allotted 20 overs before restricting South Africa to 71 all out with five overs to spare.
The defeat comes just 24 hours after SA’s impressive 134-run win over hosts Ghana at the same venue.
Obuya’s knock proved the difference for the East African side, with Rakep Patel the next-best batsman with 28 off 25 balls.
Heinrigh Pieterse (2-23) ended the pick of the bowlers, while Dylan Bester (1-21), Jason Raubenheimer (1-30) and Jesse Prodehl (1-42) provided support.
In reply, South Africa’s batsmen struggled as captain George van Heerden, who recorded his maiden T20 century against Ghana, finished the top-scorer on 22.
South Africa lost their first three wickets inside the powerplay with opening pair Maahir Joseph (12) and Pieterse (four) falling to the experienced Lucas Oluoch (2-10), before Lehan Botha was caught for one off Gerard Mwendwa (1-6).
Van Heerden and Keagan Lion-Cachet (16) then combined to provide some respite with a 36-run stand – the highest of the innings. But regular strikes curbed any possibility of building momentum as South Africa slipped from 55/3 to 71 all out within the space of 4.4 overs.
South Africa take on Uganda in their final Group A match on Wednesday.
